The Mafa community in Borno State, Northern Nigeria, was one of many towns that suffered attacks from Boko Haram terrorists. These attacks caused many deaths, forced thousands to flee, and left others in difficult conditions.
Today, things have changed for this small town, including the rise of Falmata Usman, the first female phone technician in the area
. Falmata, who lived through the town’s troubled past, is now making a name for herself despite facing resistance from some members of the community. At 23 years old, she strongly believes in women’s rights and gender equality.
“I was in school when I started learning this skill. After graduating, I stayed at home for a while, but later I developed an interest in fixing phones. Now, as you can see, I can take care of myself and also support those around me,” Falmata says.
Many people in Mafa now use her services, although some are still surprised by her technical skills. One resident, Babagana Mogu, shared his experience: “I had trouble fixing my phone.
I took it to four different places without success until I found Falmata.” Another customer, Maringo Kaffi, praises her work, saying, “The work here is very good, and it shows progress.
It will help her and those around her. If she teaches other girls, they too can teach others, and this will mean progress for our community.”
Falmata’s courage has made her a local hero in a village where most women, especially Muslims, focus on household chores and taking care of children. Unlike in other parts of Nigeria, women in Mafa rarely work outside the home or hold office positions.
“I advise women not to sit idle at home, even if you’re married or a young lady. It’s not good to be idle, especially when you have children. You don’t have to rely entirely on your husband to provide for you.
Life is tough now,” Falmata says. “Yes, the father will provide for his children and you, but it’s good to contribute, even with a small business. Small beginnings can grow into something big.”
Although Nigeria improved by 16 places in the 2022 global gender gap index compared to 2021, there is still a significant gender gap of 63.9%, according to the World Gender Gap report.
Africanews correspondent Bitrus Kurutsi reports from Borno State that many in Mafa are inspired by Falmata and believe they can also overcome poverty by taking bold steps in fields traditionally dominated by men in their community.
Falmata’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of breaking traditional gender roles. Her success in a male-dominated field not only challenges societal norms in Mafa but also inspires other women to pursue their dreams and skills, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
As more residents recognize the value of Falmata’s work, her impact on the community grows. She is not just repairing phones; she is repairing mindsets and showing that women can thrive in any profession they choose.
Her journey is a reminder that with courage and hard work, it is possible to overcome adversity and bring about positive change.
In a place where opportunities for women have been limited, Falmata’s rise as a skilled technician is a beacon of hope. She encourages other women to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and contribute to their families and communities.
Her message is clear: no matter how small the start, with persistence and effort, anyone can achieve great things.
As the town of Mafa continues to rebuild and recover from its past, the story of Falmata Usman stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. Her work is helping to pave the way for a brighter future for the women of Mafa and beyond.
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